New Baby Bendix

[northwesty]

I've always like the art-deco look of these old bendix's so when this one became available I couldn't resist.

It has 'been through the wringer', so to speak, as the handle on the front is broken and there are a few scuffs on the cabinet. However, the tub inside looks pretty good and I don't think it has been outside ever.

 

[appnut]

Brian very nice!! That's the particular Bendix model that got me hooked on washers and frontloaders!!

 

[northwesty]

I plugged it in

and it sprang to life. It is rotating like it is in wash mode. The timer doesn't seem to be advancing, and if I turn it the machine doesn't respond. It seems to be stuck in this rotating mode. Still, I didn't think anything would happen.

If anyone has a suggestion out there I would be most glad to hear it. I haven't looked too closely at the timer and connections yet. I don't want to hook it up to water yet.

 

[northwesty]

Historical data

There is a sticker on the front that says: "From the historical antique collection of the Rev. Alfred S. & Sarah Palmer. Warm Beach, Puyallup.", and under that, "Purchased by Dr. Harvey McMillin in 1947. 520 W. Bravus St. Seattle, WA."

Now its in the historical antique collection of the honorable Brian Van Beek, Renton, WA.

Anyway don't know if I will keep it or not but I plan to work on it a little and get it going. It is one paint job away from at least looking new.

 

[northwesty]

Oh well, I'll throw this one in here

It belongs in the vintage forum since agitator man is standing next to his 1951 Westy frontloader.

The kids got quite a kick out of this set up.

Merry Christmas

 

[appnut]

Brian, there may be some timer issues if you don't hear the drain solenoid activating or it try to spin. When I used Robert's same machine at the 2001 convention, it decided it wouldn't spin any more and it had done great the night before from what I was told. I think Robert either worked on the timer or sent it out to be reworked.

 

[Unimatic1140]

Brian, great find and these are relatively simple machines so you should have no problem getting it running again. Oh and fabulous snow washers! Yes they are vintage. Everyone gets to show off their beautiful snow but me :,( no fair!

Bob the timer wasn't the problem, a wire had simply come off of the spin solenoid during the convention. Had I known at that time it would have been that easy, I would have fixed during the convention.

 

[appnut]

TY Ropbert, had never been updated on it.

 

[Brent-Aucoin]

Brian,
What a great find!
Did you find it at an estate sale or something?
It is in very good shape. I am sure that you will have it up and running in no time!
Loved your snow machines! Too Good! You kids look like they are having fun.
Thanks for the pictures.
Brent

 

[sudsmaster]

That's the same model Bendix we had in the early 50's when I was a kid. I remember being in awe of it. Sadly, it eventually broke down and went to the dump by around 1960.

 

[pdub]

Great find Brian...

Wow, your collection just continues to grow. Cool looking Bendix that I bet you'll have fun with. I doubt you'll be parting with it either!

take care, Patrick

 

[sudsman]

Brian

That machine is a really fun machine you will want to keep it.

 

[pturo]

That Bendix just reeks unique and individual style, and any and all efforts to bring it to life again would just make you the owner of a rare icon.

 

[washerboy]

I love the looks of these machines...I scratch my head thinking why we cant have something this simple now days. What is the handle looking thing under the door?

 

[roto204]

Cleanout

I think it's a little access panel for the drain cleanout/guard. Ross' machine has one like that. It prevents coins and doodads from entering the pump.

 

[Bearpeter]

Memories!!!

My Aunt Dora had one of these and I always thought it was the most wonderful machine. She was an evil woman and never felt comfortable enough to speak to her about it!! But only now do i realise that where her sister Beattie (the lovely one)got the idea when she bought the very first Bendix Washer Dryer with the on board heater and blue and silver control panel... does anyone have any photo's of this magnificent machine? I would love to have a stroll down childhood memory lane lol!

 

[toggleswitch]

Way cool!

 

[northwesty]

Wanted to say thanks for the words of encouragement

I was going to wait with some of these but hey, I decided to 'take on' the Bendix and bring it back. I enjoy other folks process shots so here is some of it now. I do have another question but I guess I'll start a new thread as it is specific to a particular part. Thanks again will keep everyone posted.

I got a heads up from a Craigslist ad, in answer to the question about how I found the machine.

 

[decodriveboy]

Brian

Looks like by the time I get my Bendix in a place I can use it, you might be able to help me from all the work you'll have done on yours! Am looking forward to the pics of it in action.